On which basis is a LOC missed approach determined?

On which basis is a LOC missed approach determined?

• A. DME or Time
• B. Vertical speed
• C. Glideslope angle
• D. ATC verbal instruction

Answer: (A)

The localizer approach relies on lateral guidance only, so the point at which you must execute a missed approach is defined by distance or elapsed time from the final approach fix, not by vertical cues. If DME is available, you determine the missed approach point by reaching a published distance from the localizer facility. If DME isn’t available, you use the published timing from the final approach fix. Only if you fail to establish the required situational awareness by that point do you initiate the missed approach. Glideslope or vertical speed aren’t used to determine the LOC missed approach because there’s no vertical guidance on a LOC. ATC can instruct a missed at their direction, but the published basis remains DME or time.

The localizer approach relies on lateral guidance only, so the point at which you must execute a missed approach is defined by distance or elapsed time from the final approach fix, not by vertical cues. If DME is available, you determine the missed approach point by reaching a published distance from the localizer facility. If DME isn’t available, you use the published timing from the final approach fix. Only if you fail to establish the required situational awareness by that point do you initiate the missed approach. Glideslope or vertical speed aren’t used to determine the LOC missed approach because there’s no vertical guidance on a LOC. ATC can instruct a missed at their direction, but the published basis remains DME or time.